GANGS of yobs are targeting frightened residents, including a young couple, who say they are being made prisoners in their own homes.

Neighbours in Chorley Old Road, Heaton, say they have been terrorised by the youths for the past 12 months.

Ian Miller, aged 25, who lives in a flat with his girlfriend Holly Cumbers, says the yobs have tried to kick his front door down five times. Last week, youths broke into the house and attacked a man who lived in the flat upstairs.

Mr Miller said: "It's been a terrifying time and my girlfriend has been left very shaken by the experience. We are afraid to walk down the streets sometimes because we might come under attack.

"Everyone's house is targeted and it's not uncommon to see residents out with the sweeping brush, clearing up the smashed glass, on Saturday or Sunday mornings."

Gangs of up to 15 youths, aged between 15 and 20, regularly gather in Chorley Old Road near to its junction with Mornington Road at the weekend.

Fences behind the houses have been torn down and windows have been smashed by bottles.

Homeowners say they have been subjected to verbal abuse when they sit in their front rooms. Mr Miller, who rents the flat, now plans to move away from the area. He said: "I don't know why they are picking on us because we've never done anything to them.

"They are driving people out of the area after making their lives a misery."

A police spokesman said: "Two males entered the flat on Thursday night via an insecure door and punched an occupant. We are investigating."